Ditch the Degree: How a Trade Could Build Your Dream Life

Imagine you’re 17, drowning in trig homework, while your guidance counselor drones on about college like it’s the golden ticket. But what if it’s not? One Redditor’s dropping a truth bomb: trades like electrician, plumber, or welder can pave a path to a solid paycheck—no degree required. Picture swapping lecture halls for tool belts, earning while you learn. It’s a gritty, hands-on rebellion against the “you must go to college” mantra.

For the OP, this wasn’t just theory—they flunked college twice before striking gold with an electrical apprenticeship. Now? They’re raking it in at a military contractor gig, wishing someone had clued them in sooner. It’s a wake-up call for high schoolers feeling lost in the GPA grind. Could ditching the dorms for a trade be the ultimate life hack? Let’s unpack their story.

‘LPT: High schoolers, dont think you have to go to college to be successful. Not great at school?, look at learning a trade. You can make a good, sustainable income as an electrician, plumber, welder, etc. You can enroll in a technical college, or better yet find a apprenticeship at a larger company’

It’s a path worth checking out.

This works because trades are a legit shortcut to a good living. First, not everyone thrives in classrooms—struggling with grades doesn’t mean you’re doomed; skills like welding or plumbing pay off big, often outpacing entry-level desk jobs. Second, you can jump in fast—technical colleges or apprenticeships get you hands-on quick, no debt required. I flunked college twice before nailing an electrical apprenticeship at a shipyard. Schools push degrees hard, but trades gave me a real shot—now I’m with a military contractor, doing great.

There’s more to it than just a paycheck. Apprenticeships often hook you up with on-the-job training—sometimes even a free degree, like mine did through a trade union. Plus, you’re in demand; companies need skilled workers, so you’ve got leverage. It’s less about sitting through lectures and more about building something real. You might even find yourself loving the work—I sure didn’t see that coming after bombing out of college.

So, if high school’s winding down and college feels like a trap, look at trades. Hit up a local union or company for an apprenticeship—it’s wild how fast you can turn skills into a steady gig. Success doesn’t need a cap and gown.

What do you think—would you ditch college for a trade? Anyone else find their groove outside the degree hype? What would you do if you could rewind and pick a different path after high school?

High school’s a pressure cooker, and college often feels like the only exit. The OP’s tip flips that script—trades can be a lifeline for those who’d rather wield a wrench than a textbook. Career expert Alison Doyle notes in a 2023 The Balance Careers piece, “Skilled trades offer sustainable careers—electricians, for instance, earn a median of $60,000 annually, with no student debt dragging them down.” For OP, that shipyard apprenticeship was a game-changer, blending on-the-job training with a free degree.

The tension? OP wanted options, but schools pushed one-size-fits-all degrees. Trades demand grit—years of low pay or brutal conditions can test you. Yet, the payoff’s real: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 9% growth in electrician jobs by 2032. Doyle’s take? “Start early—apprenticeships beat racking up debt.” OP’s thriving now, but comments hint at trade-offs: aching joints and relentless bids. Advice? Research unions, weigh the physical toll, and ask yourself—stability or sky’s-the-limit?

Take a look at the comments from fellow users:

Reddit’s crew chimed in with gusto—here’s the scoop, served with a smirk: “The Reddit hive mind weighed in, and it’s a wild mix of cheers and jeers.”

These takes are hot off the thread, but do they nail reality or just vent steam? You decide.

So, is trading college for a trade the ultimate flex? OP’s living proof it can work—steady cash, no loan sharks—but it’s no fairy tale. Knees creak, conditions bite, and it’s not for dreamers chasing millions. Still, for the hands-on crowd, it’s a legit detour from the degree-or-bust trap. What’s your take—would you ditch the campus grind for a hard hat? Share your stories below!